Determining a health status for a user

ABSTRACT

Evaluating health of a user can include providing an equilibrium envelope for a user, wherein the equilibrium envelope includes a range for each of a plurality of vital signs, and detecting, using a processor, a current metric. The current metric corresponds to an exit condition for the equilibrium envelope determined based upon sensor data or a re-entry condition for the equilibrium envelope determined based upon the sensor data. A health status for the user can be determined, using the processor, based upon a comparison of the current metric with a historical metric for the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/510,703 filed on May 24, 2017, which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to determining a health status for a user.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals wish to monitor their overall health. People engaged ina regular fitness program, for example, likely want to know whethertheir health is improving given their continued participation in thefitness program. Other people may have a known pathology and may want toknow whether their health is improving with continued participation in atreatment program or other regimen for intervention.

Many individuals have turned to wearable devices for a solution. Often,these devices are capable of measuring a particular vital sign such asheart rate of the user. The devices show the measured vital sign to theuser in real-time and/or store the vital sign measurements forsubsequent review by the user. Observing heart rate alone and/or inisolation, however, does not provide sufficient information to determinewhether the overall health of the user is improving.

To the extent that overall health of an individual can be measured, thetesting needed is performed in a highly-controlled environment such as ahospital setting or in another medical facility. As such, theinformation needed to evaluate overall health of the user is costly andtime-consuming to obtain. Further, the data that is collected is oftenlimited to a snapshot that indicates the health status for the user atthe particular moment in time when the data is collected.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments are directed to methods of evaluating health ofa user. In one aspect, a method can include providing an equilibriumenvelope for a user, wherein the equilibrium envelope includes a rangefor each of a plurality of vital signs, and detecting, using aprocessor, a current metric. The current metric corresponds to an exitcondition for the equilibrium envelope determined based upon sensor dataor a re-entry condition for the equilibrium envelope determined basedupon the sensor data. The method can include determining, using theprocessor, a health status for the user based upon a comparison of thecurrent metric with a historical metric for the user.

One or more embodiments are directed to systems for evaluating health ofa user. In one aspect, a system includes a memory configured to storeinstructions, a sensor configured to collect sensor data for a user, anda processor coupled to the memory. The processor, in response toexecuting the instructions, is configured to initiate operations forevaluating health of the user including providing an equilibriumenvelope for a user, wherein the equilibrium envelope includes a rangefor each of a plurality of vital signs, and detecting a current metric.The current metric corresponds to an exit condition for the equilibriumenvelope determined based upon the sensor data or a re-entry conditionfor the equilibrium envelope determined based upon the sensor data. Theoperations can include determining a health status for the user basedupon a comparison of the current metric with a historical metric for theuser.

One or more embodiments are directed to computer program products forevaluating health of a user. In one aspect, a computer program productincludes a computer readable storage medium having program code storedthereon. The program code is executable by a processor to performexecutable operations. The executable operations can include providingan equilibrium envelope for a user, wherein the equilibrium envelopeincludes a range for each of a plurality of vital signs, and detecting acurrent metric. The current metric corresponds to an exit condition forthe equilibrium envelope determined based upon sensor data or a re-entrycondition for the equilibrium envelope determined based upon the sensordata. The executable operations can include determining a health statusfor the user based upon a comparison of the current metric with ahistorical metric for the user.

This Summary section is provided merely to introduce certain conceptsand not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter. Many other features and embodiments of the invention will beapparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings show one or more embodiments; however, theaccompanying drawings should not be taken to limit the invention to onlythe embodiments shown. Various aspects and advantages will becomeapparent upon review of the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example device for use with one or moreembodiments described within this disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example software architecture for use with one ormore embodiments described within this disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for determining an equilibriumenvelope.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method for evaluating health of a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example method for evaluating health of auser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure concludes with claims defining novel features, itis believed that the various features described herein will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the description in conjunction withthe drawings. The process(es), machine(s), manufacture(s) and anyvariations thereof described within this disclosure are provided forpurposes of illustration. Any specific structural and functional detailsdescribed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basisfor the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled inthe art to variously employ the features described in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedwithin this disclosure are not intended to be limiting, but rather toprovide an understandable description of the features described.

This disclosure relates to determining health status of a user. Inaccordance with the inventive arrangements described within thisdisclosure, user activities may be tracked over time with the aid of adevice having one or more sensors. For example, a device outfitted withone or more sensors is capable of measuring vital signs of the user. Thedevice is capable of comparing the vital sign measurements with anequilibrium envelope of the user. The device is further capable ofdetermining one or more metrics relating to the measured vital signs andthe equilibrium envelope. Through a comparison of the metric(s) withhistorical metric(s) for the user, the device is capable of determininga health status for the user. For example, the device is capable ofdetermining and/or indicating whether the overall health of the user isincreasing, decreasing, or has remained largely unchanged over time.

As defined within this disclosure, the term “equilibrium envelope” meanstwo or more ranges, where each range corresponds to one vital sign. Eachrange defines the set of possible values for a given vital sign that isindicative of homeostatic equilibrium for the user while the user is atrest. In general, homeostatic equilibrium refers to the tendency of abiological system, e.g., a user, to maintain relatively constantconditions in the internal environment while continuously interactingwith, and adjusting to, changes originating within or outside thebiological system. Each range of the equilibrium envelope for the userspecifies a baseline state of homeostatic equilibrium for a vital signwith the user at rest.

In particular embodiments, the metrics correspond to states where theuser exits and/or re-enters the equilibrium envelope. The metric(s) canbe compared with historical metrics for the user relating to the userexiting and/or re-entering the equilibrium envelope. In one or moreembodiments, the metrics measure time. For example, the metrics maymeasure time for an exit condition to occur and/or time for a re-entrycondition to occur. In one or more embodiments, the metrics measure aquantity or amount of an activity that is performed by the user. Forexample, the metrics may measure the quantity of an activity that isperformed by the user for an exit condition to occur. Accordingly, thedevice is capable of determining whether a given metric has improved inrelation to a historical metric for the user indicating an improvementin health status for the user, declined in relation to the historicalmetric for the user indicating a decline in the health status for theuser, or remained the same or largely unchanged in relation to thehistorical metric for the user indicating little or no change to thehealth status for the user.

Further aspects of the inventive arrangements are described below ingreater detail with reference to the figures. For purposes of simplicityand clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of theelements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.Further, where considered appropriate, reference numbers are repeatedamong the figures to indicate corresponding, analogous, or likefeatures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a device 100 for use with one or moreembodiments described within this disclosure. Device 100 includes atleast one processor 105. Processor 105 is coupled to memory 110 throughinterface circuitry 115. Device 100 stores computer readableinstructions (also referred to as “program code”) within memory 110.Memory 110 is an example of computer readable storage media. Processor105 executes the program code accessed from memory 110 via interfacecircuitry 115.

Memory 110 includes one or more physical memory devices such as, forexample, a local memory 120 and a bulk storage device 125. Local memory120 is implemented as one or more non-persistent memory devices usedduring actual execution of the program code. Examples of local memory120 include random-access memory (RAM) and/or any of the various typesof RAM (e.g., static RAM, dynamic RAM) that are suitable for use by aprocessor during execution of program code. Bulk storage device 125 isimplemented as one or more persistent data storage devices. Examples ofbulk storage device 125 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-statedrive (SSD), flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable memory. Device100 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that providetemporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce thenumber of times program code must be retrieved from a bulk storagedevice during execution.

Examples of interface circuitry 115 include, but are not limited to, aninput/output (I/O) subsystem, an I/O interface, a bus system, and amemory interface. For example, interface circuitry 115 may beimplemented as any of a variety of bus structures and/or combinations ofbus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus.

In one or more embodiments, processor 105, memory 110, and/or interfacecircuitry 115 are implemented as separate components. In one or moreembodiments, processor 105, memory 110, and/or interface circuitry 115are integrated in one or more integrated circuits. The variouscomponents in device 100, for example, can be coupled by one or morecommunication buses or signal lines (e.g., interconnects and/or wires).In particular embodiments, memory 110 is coupled to interface circuitry115 via a memory interface, e.g., a memory controller (not shown).

Device 100 may include a display 135. In particular embodiments, display135 is implemented as touch-sensitive or touchscreen display capable ofreceiving touch input from a user. A touch sensitive display and/or atouch-sensitive pad is capable of detecting contact, movement, gestures,and breaks in contact using any of a variety of available touchsensitivity technologies. Example touch sensitive technologies include,but are not limited to, capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surfaceacoustic wave technologies, and other proximity sensor arrays or otherelements for determining one or more points of contact with a touchsensitive display and/or device.

Device 100 may include a camera subsystem 140. Camera subsystem 140 canbe coupled to interface circuitry 115 directly or through a suitableinput/output (I/O) controller. Camera subsystem 140 can be coupled to anoptical sensor 142. Optical sensor 142 may be implemented using any of avariety of technologies. Examples of optical sensor 142 can include, butare not limited to, a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementarymetal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor. Camera subsystem 140and optical sensor 142 are capable of performing camera functions suchas recording images and/or recording video.

Device 100 may include an audio subsystem 145. Audio subsystem 145 canbe coupled to interface circuitry 115 directly or through a suitableinput/output (I/O) controller. Audio subsystem 145 can be coupled to aspeaker 146 and a microphone 148 to facilitate voice-enabled functions,such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, andtelephony functions.

Device 100 may include one or more wireless communication subsystems150. Each of wireless communication subsystem(s) 150 can be coupled tointerface circuitry 115 directly or through a suitable I/O controller(not shown). Each of wireless communication subsystem(s) 150 is capableof facilitating communication functions. Examples of wirelesscommunication subsystems 150 can include, but are not limited to, radiofrequency receivers and transmitters, and optical (e.g., infrared)receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation ofwireless communication subsystem 150 can depend on the particular typeof device 100 implemented and/or the communication network(s) over whichdevice 100 is intended to operate.

As illustrative and non-limiting examples, wireless communicationsubsystem(s) 150 may be designed to operate over one or more mobilenetworks (e.g., GSM, GPRS, EDGE), a WiFi network which may include aWiMax network, a short range wireless network (e.g., a Bluetoothnetwork), and/or any combination of the foregoing. Wirelesscommunication subsystem(s) 150 can implement hosting protocols such thatdevice 100 can be configured as a base station for other wirelessdevices.

Device 100 may include one or more sensors 155. Each of sensors 155 canbe coupled to interface circuitry 115 directly or through a suitable I/Ocontroller (not shown). Examples of sensors 155 that can be included indevice 100 include, but are not limited to, a motion sensor, a lightsensor, and a proximity sensor to facilitate orientation, lighting, andproximity functions, respectively, of device 100. Other examples ofsensors 155 can include, but are not limited to, a location sensor(e.g., a GPS receiver and/or processor) capable of providinggeo-positioning sensor data, an electronic magnetometer (e.g., anintegrated circuit chip) capable of providing sensor data that can beused to determine the direction of magnetic North for purposes ofdirectional navigation, an accelerometer capable of providing dataindicating change of speed and direction of movement of device 100 in3-dimensions, and an altimeter (e.g., an integrated circuit) capable ofproviding data indicating altitude.

In one or more embodiments, sensors 155 include a photoplethysmogram(PPG) sensor. A PPG sensor is a type of optical sensor. A PPG sensor iscapable of generating a PPG for the user. A PPG is an optically obtainedplethysmogram. In general, a PPG is a volumetric measurement of anorgan. In one or more embodiments, a PPG sensor is implemented as apulse oximeter which illuminates the skin and measures changes in lightabsorption to determine amount of oxygen carried in the blood. The PPGsensor can be used to determine one or more vital signs and/or todetermine one or more surrogate markers of one or more vital signs.

Device 100 further may include one or more input/output (I/O) devices160 coupled to interface circuitry 115. I/O devices 160 may be coupledto device 100, e.g., interface circuitry 115, either directly or throughintervening I/O controllers (not shown). Examples of I/O devices 160include, but are not limited to, a track pad, a keyboard, a displaydevice, a pointing device, one or more communication ports (e.g.,Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports), a network adapter, and buttons orother physical controls. A network adapter refers to circuitry thatenables device 100 to become coupled to other systems, computer systems,remote printers, and/or remote storage devices through interveningprivate or public networks. Modems, cable modems, Ethernet interfaces,and wireless transceivers not part of wireless communicationsubsystem(s) 150 are examples of different types of network adaptersthat may be used with device 100. One or more of I/O devices 160 may beadapted to control functions of one or more or all of sensors 155 and/orone or more of wireless communication subsystem(s) 150.

Memory 110 stores program code. Examples of program code include, butare not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, logic, andother data structures. For purposes of illustration, memory 110 storesan operating system 170 and application(s) 175. Operating system 170and/or applications 175 can include, for example, health status programcode (e.g., a health status application). In one or more embodiments,the health status program code, when executed, is capable of causingdevice 100 and/or other devices that may be communicatively linked withdevice 100, to perform the various operations described herein. Memory110 is also capable of storing data, whether data utilized by operatingsystem 170, data utilized by application(s) 175, data received from userinputs, data generated by one or more or all of sensor(s) 155, datareceived and/or generated by camera subsystem 140, data received and/orgenerated by audio subsystem 145, and/or data received by I/O devices160.

In an aspect, operating system 170 and application(s) 175, beingimplemented in the form of executable program code, are executed bydevice 100 and, more particularly, by processor 105, to perform theoperations described within this disclosure. As such, operating system170 and application(s) 175 may be considered an integrated part ofdevice 100. Further, it should be appreciated that any data and/orprogram code used, generated, and/or operated upon by device 100 (e.g.,processor 105) are functional data structures that impart functionalitywhen employed as part of device 100.

Memory 110 is capable of storing other program code. Examples of otherprogram code include, but are not limited to, instructions thatfacilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one ormore computers and/or one or more servers; graphic user interface (GUI)and/or UI processing; sensor-related processing and functions;phone-related processes and functions; electronic-messaging relatedprocesses and functions; Web browsing-related processes and functions;media processing-related processes and functions; GPS andnavigation-related processes and functions; security functions; andcamera-related processes and functions including Web camera and/or Webvideo functions.

Device 100 further can include a power source (not shown). The powersource is capable of providing electrical power to the various elementsof device 100. In an embodiment, the power source is implemented as oneor more batteries. The batteries may be implemented using any of avariety of known battery technologies whether disposable (e.g.,replaceable) or rechargeable. In another embodiment, the power source isconfigured to obtain electrical power from an external source andprovide electrical power (e.g., direct current (DC) power) to theelements of device. In the case of a rechargeable battery, the powersource further may include circuitry that is capable of charging thebattery or batteries when coupled to an external power source.

Device 100 is provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation.A device and/or system configured to perform the operations describedherein may have a different architecture than illustrated in FIG. 1. Thearchitecture may be a simplified version of the architecture describedin connection with FIG. 1 that includes a memory capable of storinginstructions and a processor capable of executing instructions. In thisregard, device 100 may include fewer components than shown or additionalcomponents not illustrated in FIG. 1 depending upon the particular typeof device that is implemented. In addition, the particular operatingsystem and/or application(s) included may vary according to device typeas may the types of I/O devices 160 included. Further, one or more ofthe illustrative components may be incorporated into, or otherwise forma portion of, another component. For example, a processor may include atleast some memory.

Device 100 may be implemented as a data processing system, acommunication device, or other suitable system that is suitable forstoring and/or executing program code. Example implementations of device100 may include, but are not to limited to, a smart phone or othermobile device or phone, a wearable computing device (e.g., a smartwatch), a computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, or tablet computer), and/or atelevision or other appliance with a display (e.g., an exercisemachine).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example software architecture 200 for use with oneor more embodiments described within this disclosure. Softwarearchitecture 200 is executable by a data processing system such asdevice 100 as described herein in connection with FIG. 1. In the exampleof FIG. 2, software architecture 200 includes user perceived exertion(PE) data 205, sensor data 210, an equilibrium envelope 215, andhistorical metric data 225. Each of user PE data 205, sensor data 210,equilibrium envelope 215, and historical metric data 225 isuser-specific data.

User PE data 205 is data stored in a memory of device 100 that specifiesa user PE level for each of one or more different activities. The rangeof activities stored in user PE data 205 may vary from different typesof exercises to different everyday activities of the sort used toevaluate a person's level of independence. Examples of differentexercises include walking, running, biking, and/or swimming. A quantityfor the activity may be associated with each exercise. The quantity maybe specified in a variety of different ways. For example, the quantitycan be specified as an amount of time for performing the exercise, as adistance, as a number of steps, and/or as an amount of power (e.g.,wattage from an accelerometer). Examples of everyday activities includeopening a door, pouring a glass of water, making the bed, bathing,and/or changing clothes. In the case of certain activities such as, forexample, opening a door, pouring a glass of water, making the bed,bathing, and/or changing clothes, a quantity of the activity may not beincluded in user PE data 205. For each activity, a user PE level fromthe user may be stored. As such, in one or more embodiments, user PEdata 205 may include a plurality of entries stored over time (e.g.,historical data) where each entry may specify a quantity and/or a userspecified PE level.

As an illustrative and non-limiting example, the user may enter user PElevels while performing a particular activity. In one or moreembodiments, the device is capable of determining the activity that theuser is performing automatically. For example, the device is capable ofdetermining the activity that the user is performing based upon detectedaccelerometer data. Further, the device is capable of automaticallydetermining when the activity starts using the same or similar sensordata (e.g., accelerometer and GPS sensor data). In particularembodiments, the user provides one or more user inputs to the deviceindicating the particular activity that the user is engaging in and/orindicating when (e.g., a time) when the user starts performing theactivity.

Subsequently, while performing the activity and/or after performing theactivity, the user provides a user input to device 100 specifying a userPE level for the activity. The user PE level can be specified as anumerical value on a scale such as 1-3, 1-5, or 1-10. In another examplethe user PE level can be specified as “easy”, “medium”, or “hard”. Theuser PE level can be stored in association with the activity andoptionally a quantity of the activity performed, whether as a number ofsteps, distance, time, or other suitable measure of quantity. As noted,in the case of some activities such as bathing, making the bed, or othereveryday activities, a quantity need not be specified.

Sensor data 210 is data generated and/or obtained from sensor(s) 155that is stored in a memory of device 100. In one or more embodiments,sensor data 210 includes PPG data, e.g., one or more PPGs takencontinuously and/or over time by device 100. PPG data provides surrogatemarkers for one or more different vital signs. As device 100 executes,device 100 is capable of continuing to store sensor data 210 over time,thereby storing sensor data 210 in real-time and generating a history ofsuch sensor data. While PPG data is discussed, sensor data 210 mayinclude sensor data collected from any of the various sensors 155described herein under various conditions such as during an activity orexertion and post exertion (e.g., after having stopped an activity).

In one or more embodiments, device 100, in executing health statusapplication 230, is capable of determining one or more vital signs forthe user from sensor data 210, e.g., the PPG data. Device 100 is capableof determining, e.g., calculating, one or more vital signs from sensordata 210 and storing the vital signs, e.g., measures of vital signs, asvital sign data 215. Device 100 is capable of determining vital signsincluding, but not limited to, heart rate (e.g., heart beats perminute), blood pressure, and respiration (e.g., respiratory ratetypically measured in breaths per minute) from PPG data. Device 100 iscapable of determining vital signs including, but not limited to, heartrate variability, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose from PPG data.Device 100 is capable of storing a measure for each of the differentvital signs discussed within vital sign data 215.

As an illustrative and non-limiting example, PPG data collected using apulse oximetry sensor to measure O2 saturation can be used to determinerespiratory rate since the PPG reflects blood volume changes, which arecaused by respiration. For example, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)can be used in combination with PPG volume trend and frequency componentchange from a PPG to determine respiratory rate for the user.

As another example, the area under the curve (AUC) of the PPG may beused as a surrogate marker for blood pressure. Device 100, for example,is capable of determining systolic blood pressure for the user basedupon the AUC of a PPG waveform. Larger AUC corresponds to highersystolic blood pressure. As an illustrative and non-limiting example,some studies have found that very low frequency (VLF) fluctuations ofsystolic blood pressure are related to PPG where systolic blood pressurewas found to have a correlation coefficient of approximately −0.81 withVLF fluctuations of PPG amplitude (AM) and a correlation coefficient ofapproximately 0.83 with PPG baseline (BL) over 10-minute time periods.

In another example, device 100 can determine stroke volume from PPGdata. In illustration, blood pressure, which can be determined using AUCof the PPG, generally equals cardiac output times total peripheralresistance. Device 100 can determine cardiac output since cardiac outputfrom PPG data since cardiac output is calculated as the amount of bloodpumped out of the heart per beat (stroke volume) multiplied by heartrate (number of beats per minute). PPG RR interval (where “RR” is theinterval between successive Rs and R represents a peak of the PPG) canbe used to determine heart rate and heart rate variability. Heart ratevariability or “HRV” is the physiological phenomenon of variation in thetime interval between heart beats. Heart rate variability is measured bythe variation in the beat-to-beat interval.

In one or more embodiments, sensor data 210 includes sensor datacollected for the user while at homeostatic equilibrium. Such sensordata can be used to generate a range for one or more or each of thevital signs measured. For example, device 100 is capable of determininga range having an upper bound and a lower bound for one or more or anycombination of vital signs such as of heart rate, blood pressure,respiration, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, and bloodglucose.

Equilibrium envelope 215 specifies two or more ranges for vital signsfor the user. In one or more embodiments, equilibrium envelope 215specifies a range for heart rate and range for blood pressure for theuser. In one or more embodiments, equilibrium envelope 215 specifies arange for heart rate, a range for blood pressure, and a range forrespiration. In one or more embodiments, equilibrium envelope specifiesa range for heart rate, a range for blood pressure, a range forrespiration, and a range for heart rate variability. In one or moreembodiments, equilibrium envelope specifies a range for heart rate, arange for blood pressure, a range for respiration, a range for heartrate variability, and a range for oxygen saturation. In one or moreembodiments, equilibrium envelope specifies a range for heart rate, arange for blood pressure, a range for respiration, a range for heartrate variability, a range for oxygen saturation, and a range for bloodglucose.

Equilibrium envelope 220 can include any combination of two or moreranges, where each range is for a different vital sign measured for theuser while the user is in homeostatic equilibrium and at rest. In one ormore embodiments, equilibrium envelope 220 may be programmed orotherwise loaded into memory of device 100. In particular embodiments,health status application 230 is capable of accessing sensor data 210and/or vital sign data 215 to generate equilibrium envelope 220 toinclude or specify two or more ranges. For example, health statusapplication 230 is capable of determining, based upon accelerometer dataand/or user inputs, whether the user is at rest to collect sensor 210and/or determine vital sign data 215 to generate equilibrium envelope220.

Health status application 230 is capable of generating and storinghistorical metric data 225. Historical metric data 225 includes one ormore metrics determined for the user over time. In one or moreembodiments, the metric(s) correspond to an exit condition forequilibrium envelope 220. An exit condition refers to the situationwhere the user performs an activity and, in response to performing theactivity, one or more of the vital signs for the user move out of theestablished range for that vital sign as specified by equilibriumenvelope 220.

In one or more embodiments, the metric(s) correspond to a re-entrycondition for equilibrium envelope 220. A re-entry condition refers tothe situation where an exit condition has occurred and, while one ormore or all of the vital signs of equilibrium envelope 220 are outsideof the respective established ranges, the user discontinues theactivity. The re-entry condition occurs when each vital sign for whichequilibrium envelope 220 specifies a range has moved back into therespective, established range as specified by equilibrium envelope 220.

In particular embodiments, the metrics specify time. A metric, forexample, may specify the amount of time measured from the start of anactivity until an exit condition for the user is detected. In particularembodiments, the metric specifies the amount of time from discontinuingan activity before a re-entry condition is detected (presuming that anexit condition was previously detected). In particular embodiments, themetric specifies a quantity of activity. For example, the metrics mayspecify a quantity or amount of an activity that the user performs inorder to cause an exit condition. Further details about the metrics aredescribed with reference to the remaining figures.

Health status application 230 is capable of determining a metric ormetrics in real-time or in substantially real-time. Health statusapplication 230 is capable of comparing a metric determined in real-time(e.g., a “current metric”) relating to an exit condition and/or are-entry condition with a prior determined metric (e.g., a historicalmetric) from historical metric data 225. Health status application 230is capable of outputting a health status 235 for the user based upon thecomparison of the current metric with the historical metric.

As the user performs daily activities, the vital signs of the user mayvary, but should stay within the respective ranges of equilibriumenvelope 220. Conditions relating to exit from the equilibrium envelopeand/or re-entry to the equilibrium envelope can be evaluated andcompared with historical conditions for the user. The metrics provide ameans of quantifying these conditions and, as such, provide anindication of the health status for the user when compared withhistorical metrics.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method 300 for determining an equilibriumenvelope for a user. Method 300 can be performed by device 100 asdescribed in connection with FIG. 1.

In block 305, the device collects sensor data for the user over time.The sensor data is collected while the user is at rest in homeostaticequilibrium. For example, the device is capable of collecting PPG datafor the user over time while the user is at rest in homeostaticequilibrium. a respiratory sensor.

In one or more embodiments, the device is capable of automaticallydetecting that the user is at rest and, in response, begin collectingsensor data for determining vital signs. For example, the device iscapable of collecting sensor data from motion sensors (e.g.,accelerometer data and/or GPS data). In response to determining that theuser is at rest, e.g., moving less than a predetermined amount, isstationary, and/or is expending less than a threshold amount of energy,the device is capable of automatically collecting sensor data such asPPG data.

In particular embodiments, the device is capable of receiving an inputfrom the user indicating that the user is at rest and/or in homeostaticequilibrium. In response to the input, the device is capable ofautomatically collecting sensor data such as PPG data. The device iscapable of collecting sensor data for a predetermined period of timeand/or until the device determines that the user is no longer at rest.The device is capable of determining that the user is no longer at restbased upon another received user input indicating such a state and/orbased upon motion sensor data indicating that more than a thresholdamount of energy is detected and/or more than a threshold amount ofmotion is detected.

In block 310, the device determines one or more vital signs from thesensor data. For example, the device is capable of generating ameasurement for heart rate, a measurement for blood pressure, ameasurement for respiration, a measurement for heart rate variability, ameasurement for oxygen saturation, and a measurement for blood glucosefrom the PPG data. The device is capable of generating values for thenoted vital signs over time while the user is at rest.

In block 315, the device determines a range for each vital signdetermined in block 310. In one or more embodiments, the device iscapable of determining a high measurement and a low measurement for eachrange for each vital sign for the time period while the device collectssensor data with the user being at rest.

In block 320, the device generates an equilibrium envelope for the user.The equilibrium envelope includes two or more of the ranges generated inblock 315. As noted, the equilibrium envelope can include a range forany combination of two or more of the vital signs described.

In one or more embodiments, the device is capable of determining a rangefor each vital sign by taking the lowest and the highest measurement forthe vital sign over the time period where the vital sign is measuredwith the user at rest. In one or more embodiments, the device is capableof determining a range for each vital sign by taking an average of thelowest “N” measurements for the vital sign for the low end of the rangeand by taking an average of the highest “N” measurements for the vitalsign for the high end of the range. It should be appreciated that thedevice may apply any of a variety of statistical processing methods todetermine the upper and lower bound of each range and, as such, theinventive arrangements described herein are not intended to be limitedby the particular examples provided.

Method 300 describes an example method for automatically generating anequilibrium envelope. Method 300 is provided as an example and is notintended to be limiting of the inventive arrangements described herein.In one or more embodiments, the device is capable of receiving theequilibrium envelope by way of one or more user inputs specifying suchdata. For example, the user, a medical service provider, or other personmay manually enter the equilibrium envelope into the device using a userinterface generated by the health status application. In one or moreother embodiments, the equilibrium envelope for the user may bedetermined using another system and provided to the device (e.g.,imported into the device) from the other computing system. For example,a computing system of a medical service provider may determine theequilibrium envelope for the user based upon sensor data available orstored in the other computing system and/or provided to the othercomputing system and provide the equilibrium envelope to the user'sdevice.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 for evaluating health of auser. Method 400 can be performed by device 100 as described inconnection with FIG. 1. Method 400 is directed to embodiments where thedevice determines one or more metrics relating to an exit condition forthe equilibrium envelope. As such, method 400 begins in a state whereone or more equilibrium envelopes for the user of the device has beengenerated. Further, the user is either carrying or wearing the device sothat the device is capable of measuring two or more of the vital signsdescribed herein.

In block 405, the device determines that the user has started performingan activity. In one or more embodiments, the device is capable ofautomatically determining that the user has started performing anactivity. For example, the device may monitor accelerometer data and/orGPS data to determine whether the user has started an activity basedupon the amount of movement detected, amount of energy expended (e.g.,from the accelerometer), or based upon other sensor data.

In particular embodiments, the device is capable of automaticallydetermining the particular activity being performed by the user. Forexample, the device is capable of determining whether the user isperforming a particular activity such as walking, running, or dressing.In one or more embodiments, the device is capable of storing multipledifferent equilibrium envelopes for the user where each equilibriumenvelope is specific to a particular activity. The device is capable ofmatching sensor data from one or more motion sensors, for example, withpreviously stored sensor data collected while the user performsdifferent activities to form an activity profile. Thus, the device iscapable of detecting that the user has started an activity and iscapable of matching the activity to a particular equilibrium envelopeavailable to or within the device for the activity. This allows thedevice to utilize one equilibrium envelope for walking, anotherequilibrium envelope for running, another equilibrium envelope forbathing, and so on.

In one or more embodiments, the device is capable of receiving one ormore user inputs providing data indicating that the user has started anactivity. The data further may indicate a particular type of activitythat the user has started. For example, the data can indicate the timethat an activity has started and the type of activity, e.g., walking,running, another form of exercise, or a daily activity such as bathing.

In block 410, the device optionally selects an equilibrium envelope. Forexample, in the case where the user has more than one differentequilibrium envelope and each different equilibrium envelope isassociated with a different activity, the device selects the particularequilibrium envelope that matches the activity determined in block 405.As discussed, in one or more embodiments, the user is associated with asingle equilibrium envelope and, in such cases, the device uses, orselects, this equilibrium envelope.

In one or more embodiments, an equilibrium envelope for a user mayinclude or specify a past or historical PE level for the user. In thecase where a single equilibrium envelope is available, the PE level maybe a PE level for the user that is obtained from the user during a priorinstance or prior instances where the user performed sufficient activityto exit an equilibrium envelope. In cases where there are multipleequilibrium envelopes and each is activity specific, the PE level may bea PE level for the user that is obtained from the user during a priorinstance or prior instances where the user performed the specificactivity corresponding to the equilibrium envelope and exited theequilibrium envelope. For example, in either case, the PE level may beobtained at or about the time that the user exits the equilibriumenvelope. In particular embodiments, the equilibrium envelope may beassociated with a PE level for the user as opposed to including the PElevel.

In block 415, the device measures each vital sign used in theequilibrium envelope. As an illustrative and non-limiting example, theequilibrium envelope may specify a range for each of heart rate (HR),systolic blood pressure (BP), and respirator rate. The equilibriumenvelope may be specified as {[HR: 63-72]; [BP: 102-112]; [respiratoryrate: 14-17]}.

In block 420, the device detects whether an exit condition for theequilibrium envelope has occurred. More particularly, in block 420, thedevice determines whether one or more of the vital signs measured inblock 415 is outside of the range for that vital sign per theequilibrium envelope. The device determines that an exit condition hasoccurred in response to determining that at least one of the vital signsis outside of the range for that vital sign per the equilibriumenvelope. In response to determining that one or more of the vitalsigns, as measured in block 415, is outside of the corresponding rangefor the vital sign specified by the equilibrium envelope, method 400continues to block 425. In response to determining that none of thevital signs, as measured in block 415, is outside of the correspondingrange for the vital sign specified by the equilibrium envelope, method400 loops back to block 415 to continue measuring the vital signs.

For example, if the vital signs measured in block 415 are {[HR=65];[BP=70]; [respirator rate=15]}, then an exit condition has not occurred.If the vital signs measured in block 505 are {[HR=65]; [BP=70];[respirator rate=18]}, then an exit condition has occurred. Asdiscussed, an exit condition occurs when one or more vital signs is outof the range specified by the equilibrium envelope.

In block 425, the device determines a current metric corresponding to anexit condition for the equilibrium envelope. In one or more embodiments,the current metric is an amount of time. The current metric, forexample, can specify an amount of time for the user to perform anactivity for the exit condition to occur. The device is capable ofmeasuring the amount of time that passes from the start of the userperforming the activity in block 405 until the occurrence of the exitcondition in block 420 as using the measured amount of time as thecurrent metric.

In one or more embodiments, the current metric is a quantity of activityperformed by the user. The current metric can specify a quantity ofactivity performed by the user for the exit condition to occur. Thedevice is capable of measuring the quantity of activity performed by theuser from the start of the user performing the activity in block 405until the occurrence of the exit condition in block 420 and storing themeasured quantity of activity as the current metric. The quantity ofactivity can be measured in any number of ways. For example, the deviceis capable of measuring quantity of an activity in terms of number ofsteps taken from the time that the activity starts to the occurrence ofthe exit condition. The device is capable of measuring the quantity ofactivity as power output, e.g., wattage, from the accelerometer from thestart of user activity as determined in block 405 to the occurrence ofthe exit condition. The device is capable of measuring the quantity ofactivity performed by the user as distance traveled from the start ofthe activity to the occurrence of the exit condition.

In one or more embodiments, the current metric includes a current userPE level. For example, in response to detecting an exit condition, thedevice is capable of prompting the user for a user PE level. The deviceis capable of asking the user to enter a PE level in response todetecting the exit condition. As such, the current user PE levelspecifies the PE of the user at or about the time of the exit condition.

In block 430, the device determines the health status for the user basedupon a comparison of the current metric with a historical metric for theuser. The device is capable of determining whether the health status forthe user has improved, declined, or remained generally unchanged basedupon whether the current metric determined in block 425 has improved,declined, or remained largely unchanged compared to the historicalmetric.

In one or more embodiments, where the metric is time, the device iscapable of comparing the time for the exit condition to occur (thecurrent metric) with a prior measurement of the time for the exitcondition to occur for the user (the historical metric). In the case oftime, the device is capable of determining that the health status forthe user has improved in response to determining that the current metricis longer than the historical metric or is longer than the historicalmetric by more than a predetermined amount. The device is capable ofdetermining that the health status for the user has declined or worsenedin response to determining that the current metric is shorter than thehistorical metric or that the historical metric is longer than thecurrent metric by at least a predetermined amount. The device is capableof determining that the health status for the user has not changed orhas not changed in a significant manner in response to determining thatthe current metric is the same as the historical metric (e.g., thecurrent metric is within a predetermined amount or percentage of thehistorical metric).

In one or more embodiments, where the metric is quantity of activity,the device is capable of comparing the quantity of activity performedwhen the exit condition occurs (the current metric) with a priorquantity of activity performed by the user for the exit condition tooccur (the historical metric). In the case of quantity of activity, thedevice is capable of determining that the health status for the user hasimproved in response to determining that the current metric is largerthan the historical metric or is larger than the historical metric bymore than a predetermined amount. The device is capable of determiningthat the health status for the user has declined or worsened in responseto determining that the current metric is less than the historicalmetric or that the historical metric is more than the current metric byat least a predetermined amount. The device is capable of determiningthat the health status for the user has not changed or has not changedin a significant manner in response to determining that the currentmetric is the same as the historical metric (e.g., the current metric iswithin a predetermined amount or percentage of the historical metric).

In one or more embodiments, the current metric and the historical metricmay be for a same activity for the user (e.g., and for a sameequilibrium envelope). For example, the device may store the historicalmetric in association with the particular activity that was performed bythe user when the metric was calculated. As such, the device is capableof performing the comparison of the current metric with the historicalmetric for the same activity. This prevents the system from comparing acurrent metric for jogging, for example, with the historical metric forwalking.

In one or more embodiments, where the metric is user PE level, thedevice is capable of comparing the current user PE level (the currentmetric) with a prior measurement of the user PE level (the historicalmetric—e.g., the user PE level specified by and/or associated with theequilibrium envelope). In the case of user PE level, the device iscapable of determining that the health status for the user has improvedin response to determining that the current metric is lower than thehistorical metric or is lower than the historical metric by more than apredetermined amount. The device is capable of determining that thehealth status for the user has declined or worsened in response todetermining that the current metric is higher than the historical metricor that the historical metric is higher than the current metric by atleast a predetermined amount. The device is capable of determining thatthe health status for the user has not changed or has not changed in asignificant manner in response to determining that the current metric isthe same as the historical metric (e.g., the current metric is within apredetermined amount or percentage of the historical metric).

In block 435, the device optionally contacts a designated contact basedupon the health status determined in block 430. For example, the deviceis capable of sending a message such as an electronic mail, a textmessage, an instant message, to the system or device of a designated(e.g., a user selected or otherwise enumerated) third party, whether adesignated medical professional, a friend, or a relative. In anotherexample, the device is capable of initiating a phone call, either itselfor via another device communicatively linked thereto, to send a messageto a phone or a system of a designated contact. The device may alsoprovide notifications to the user indicating health status and/or that adesignated contact was contacted.

In one or more embodiments, the content of the message can include thehealth status determined in block 430. In one or more embodiments, thedevice is capable of sending the message in response to detecting achange in health status. For example, the device may send the message inresponse to detecting an improvement in health status for the user. Inanother example, the device may send the message in response todetecting a decline in health status for the user. In another example,the device may send the message in response to detecting either animprovement or a decline in the health status for the user. In anotherexample, the device may send a message describing the detected healthstatus. For example, the device may specify any detected change in userPE level and/or any detected change in exit condition whether based upontime or amount of energy within the message.

In particular embodiments, the degree of change, as determined by theamount of change in the current metric compared to the historicalmetric, can be used to trigger the sending of the message by the user'sdevice. For example, the device may send a message only in response todetecting a change in health status of more than a threshold amount. Thedevice may use one threshold amount when evaluating change inimprovement in health status and another different threshold amount whenevaluating change in a decline in health status. Thus, a small changewhen health status declines may trigger the sending of a message, whilea larger change is required when health status improves to trigger amessage. In one or more other embodiments, the device is capable ofusing different threshold amounts based upon the particular activitythat is performed. For example, smaller changes may trigger the sendingof a message when evaluating health status for everyday activities suchas bathing, while larger changes may trigger the sending of a messagewhen evaluating health status for more rigorous exercise.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example method 500 for evaluating health of auser. Method 500 can be performed by device 100 as described herein inconnection with FIG. 1. Method 500 is directed to embodiments where thedevice determines one or more metrics relating to a re-entry condition.Further, the user is either carrying or wearing the device so that thedevice is capable of measuring two or more of the vital signs describedherein.

In block 505, the device determines that the user has discontinuedactivity after the occurrence of an exit condition. In one or moreembodiments, the device is capable of automatically determining that theuser has discontinued performing the activity, e.g., the activity thatcaused the exit condition to occur. For example, the device may monitoraccelerometer data and/or GPS data to determine whether the user hasdiscontinued the activity based upon amount of movement, power outputfrom the accelerometer, or other sensor data. In one or moreembodiments, the device is capable of receiving data specified by a userinput indicating that the user has discontinued the activity.

In block 510, the device measures each vital sign used in theequilibrium envelope. For example, the device can determine vital signsincluding, but not limited to, any combination of two or more of heartrate, blood pressure, respiration, heart rate variability, oxygensaturation, and blood glucose. As discussed, the device is capable ofdetermining current measurements of any two or more of the listed vitalsigns as specified by the equilibrium envelope.

In block 515, the device detects whether a re-entry condition for theequilibrium envelope has occurred. More particular, in block 515, thedevice is capable of determining whether each of the vital signs iswithin the range for that vital sign as specified by the equilibriumenvelope. The device determines that a re-entry condition has occurredin response to determining that the current measure of each vital signof the equilibrium envelope is within the range for that vital sign asspecified by the equilibrium envelope. If the device determines thateach of the vital signs is within the range for the relevant vital signper the equilibrium envelope, method 500 continues to block 520. If thedevice determines that one or more of the vital signs is outside of therange for the relevant vital sign per the equilibrium envelope, method500 loops back to block 510 to continue measuring vital signs used inthe equilibrium envelope.

By checking whether each vital sign of the equilibrium envelope iswithin range, the device is capable of detecting conditions where theuser is not fully recovered from performing activity. For example, heartrate of the user may have recovered to a value within the range forheart rate in the equilibrium envelope, while the blood pressure or therespiration for the user is still outside of the appropriate range perthe equilibrium envelope. The user, for example, may still be “out ofbreath” and have a respiratory rate that exceeds the range of theequilibrium envelope. In that case, the re-entry condition has not yetoccurred for the user.

For purposes of illustration, Table 1 illustrates example vital signsmeasured for a user as performed for block 510 over time of T1 to T5. Asan illustrative example, the vital signs may be measured each minute orat some other time interval less than one minute or greater than oneminute. The equilibrium envelope may be the same as described above,i.e., {[HR: 63-72]; [BP: 102-112]; [respiratory rate: 14-17]}.

TABLE 1 Systolic Blood Time Heart Rate Pressure Respiration 1 90 130 252 85 120 22 3 78 110 20 4 70 110 18 5 70 110 16

As illustrated, at times T1 and T2, each of the vital signs for the useris outside of the corresponding range per the equilibrium envelope. Attime T3, heart rate and respiration are outside of the correspondingranges, while blood pressure is within the range for blood pressure perthe equilibrium envelope. At time T4, respiration remains out of range,while both heart rate and blood pressure are within the appropriateranges per the equilibrium envelope. At time T5, since each of heartrate, blood pressure, and respiration is within the corresponding rangeper the equilibrium envelope, the device determines that a re-entrycondition has occurred.

In block 520, the device determines a metric corresponding to there-entry condition for the equilibrium envelope. In one or moreembodiments, the device calculates the amount of time that elapsed fromthe time the user discontinued activity as determined in block 505 tothe time when the re-entry condition occurs in block 515 (e.g., the“yes” branch). The amount of time measured is used as the currentmetric.

In block 525, the device determines the health status for the user basedupon a comparison of the current metric with a historical metric for theuser. The device is capable of determining whether the health status forthe user has improved, declined, or remained generally unchanged basedupon whether the current metric determined in block 720 has improved,declined, or remained largely unchanged compared to the historicalmetric.

If, for example, the current metric is longer than the historicalmetric, the device determines that the health status for the user hasworsened since the user requires more time than in the past to recoverfrom the activity. If, for example, the current metric is shorter thanthe historical metric, the device determines that the health status forthe user has improved since the use requires less time to recover fromthe activity. If, for example, the current metric is the same as thehistorical metric (e.g., within a predetermined amount or percentage ofthe prior metric) the device determines that the health status for theuser has remained the same or substantially the same.

In block 530, the device optionally contacts a designated contact basedupon the health status determined in block 525. For example, the deviceis capable of sending a message such as an electronic mail, a textmessage, an instant message, to the system or device of a designated(e.g., a user selected or otherwise enumerated) third party, whether adesignated medical professional, a friend, or a relative. In anotherexample, the device is capable of initiating a phone call, either itselfor via another device communicatively linked thereto, to send a messageto a phone or a system of a designated contact.

In one or more embodiments, the content of the message can include thehealth status determined in block 525. In one or more embodiments, thedevice is capable of sending the message in response to detecting achange in health status. For example, the device may send the message inresponse to detecting an improvement in health status for the user. Inanother example, the device may send the message in response todetecting a decline in health status for the user. In another example,the device may send the message in response to detecting either animprovement or a decline in the health status for the user. The devicemay also provide notifications to the user indicating health statusand/or that a designated contact was contacted.

In particular embodiments, the degree of change, as determined by theamount of change in the current metric compared to the historicalmetric, can be used to trigger the sending of the message by the user'sdevice. For example, the device may send a message only in response todetecting a change in health status of more than a threshold amount. Thedevice may use one threshold amount when evaluating change inimprovement in health status and another different threshold amount whenevaluating change in a decline in health status. Thus, a small changewhen health status declines may trigger the sending of a message, whilea larger change is required when health status improves to trigger amessage. In one or more other embodiments, the device is capable ofusing different threshold amounts based upon the particular activitythat is performed. For example, smaller changes may trigger the sendingof a message when evaluating health status for everyday activities suchas bathing, while larger changes may trigger the sending of a messagewhen evaluating health status for more rigorous exercise.

The inventive arrangements described within this disclosure facilitate acontextual analysis of physiological health of the user. The contextualanalysis evaluates relative changes vital signs compared to baselines ofsuch vital signs specified by the equilibrium envelope for the user. Assuch, the device is capable of detecting changes in health status forthe user based upon comparisons of the metrics described in response toexertion, life style etiology, and/or pathological exacerbation. In thismanner, the device is capable of not only detecting changes in healthstatus that may occur due to lifestyle choices, but also changes inhealth status that are attributable to disease flare up.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Notwithstanding,several definitions that apply throughout this document now will bepresented.

As defined herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

As defined herein, the term “approximately” means nearly correct orexact, close in value or amount but not precise. For example, the term“approximately” may mean that the recited characteristic, parameter, orvalue is within a predetermined amount of the exact characteristic,parameter, or value.

As defined herein, the terms “at least one,” “one or more,” and“and/or,” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive anddisjunctive in operation unless explicitly stated otherwise. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “atleast one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more ofA, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A andB together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

As defined herein, the term “automatically” means without userintervention.

As defined herein, the term “computer readable storage medium” means astorage medium that contains or stores program code for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.As defined herein, a “computer readable storage medium” is not atransitory, propagating signal per se. A computer readable storagemedium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, amagnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagneticstorage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. The various forms of memory, as describedherein, are examples of computer readable storage media. Anon-exhaustive list of more specific examples of a computer readablestorage medium may include: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, aRAM, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM or Flash memory), an electronically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), a static random-access memory (SRAM), aportable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatiledisk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, or the like.

As defined herein, the term “if” means “when” or “upon” or “in responseto” or “responsive to,” depending upon the context. Thus, the phrase “ifit is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” maybe construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining”or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response todetecting [the stated condition or event]” or “responsive to detecting[the stated condition or event]” depending on the context.

As defined herein, the term “responsive to” and similar language asdescribed above, e.g., “if,” “when,” or “upon,” means responding orreacting readily to an action or event. The response or reaction isperformed automatically. Thus, if a second action is performed“responsive to” a first action, there is a causal relationship betweenan occurrence of the first action and an occurrence of the secondaction. The term “responsive to” indicates the causal relationship.

As defined herein, the terms “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one ormore embodiments,” “particular embodiments,” or similar language meanthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentdescribed within this disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “inone embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in one or more embodiments,” “inparticular embodiments,” and similar language throughout this disclosuremay, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. The terms“embodiment” and “arrangement” are used interchangeably within thisdisclosure.

As defined herein, the term “output” means storing in physical memoryelements, e.g., devices, writing to display or other peripheral outputdevice, sending or transmitting to another system, exporting, or thelike.

As defined herein, the term “processor” means at least one hardwarecircuit. The hardware circuit may be configured to carry outinstructions contained in program code. The hardware circuit may be anintegrated circuit. Examples of a processor include, but are not limitedto, a central processing unit (CPU), an array processor, a vectorprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gatearray (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuitry, and acontroller.

As defined herein, the term “real-time” means a level of processingresponsiveness that a user or system senses as sufficiently immediatefor a particular process or determination to be made, or that enablesthe processor to keep up with some external process.

As defined herein, the term “substantially” means that the recitedcharacteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, butthat deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances,measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do notpreclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

As defined herein, the term “user” means a human being.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe variouselements. These elements should not be limited by these terms, as theseterms are only used to distinguish one element from another unlessstated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

A computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.Within this disclosure, the term “program code” is used interchangeablywith the term “computer readable program instructions.” Computerreadable program instructions described herein may be downloaded torespective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storagemedium or to an external computer or external storage device via anetwork, for example, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a WideArea Network (WAN) and/or a wireless network. The network may includecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge devices including edge servers. A network adapter card or networkinterface in each computing/processing device receives computer readableprogram instructions from the network and forwards the computer readableprogram instructions for storage in a computer readable storage mediumwithin the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations forthe inventive arrangements described herein may be assemblerinstructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machineinstructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmwareinstructions, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including anobject-oriented programming language and/or procedural programminglanguages. Computer readable program instructions may specifystate-setting data. The computer readable program instructions mayexecute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer,as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer andpartly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer orserver. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected tothe user's computer through any type of network, including a LAN or aWAN, or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example,through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some cases,electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logiccircuitry, an FPGA, or a PLA may execute the computer readable programinstructions by utilizing state information of the computer readableprogram instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in orderto perform aspects of the inventive arrangements described herein.

Certain aspects of the inventive arrangements are described herein withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems), and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrationsand/or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer readable programinstructions, e.g., program code.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a computer, special purpose computer, or other programmabledata processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that theinstructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus, create means for implementingthe functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks. In this way, operatively coupling the processor to programcode instructions transforms the machine of the processor into aspecial-purpose machine for carrying out the instructions of the programcode. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored ina computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, aprogrammable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to functionin a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the operationsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implementedprocess, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousaspects of the inventive arrangements. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified operations. In some alternativeimplementations, the operations noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimesbe executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustration, may be implemented by specialpurpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions oracts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements that may be found in the claimsbelow are intended to include any structure, material, or act forperforming the function in combination with other claimed elements asspecifically claimed.

The description of the embodiments provided herein is for purposes ofillustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the formand examples disclosed. The terminology used herein was chosen toexplain the principles of the inventive arrangements, the practicalapplication or technical improvement over technologies found in themarketplace, and/or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the embodiments disclosed herein. Modifications andvariations may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the described inventivearrangements. Accordingly, reference should be made to the followingclaims, rather than to the foregoing disclosure, as indicating the scopeof such features and implementations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for evaluating health of a user,comprising: tracking a plurality of vital signs of a user using aplurality of sensors of a device, wherein the plurality of vital signsare determined from sensor data generated by the plurality of sensors;storing an equilibrium envelope for the user in a memory of the devicewith the plurality of vital signs, wherein the equilibrium envelopeincludes a range for each of a plurality of vital signs for the user andhistorical metric data, wherein each range indicates homeostaticequilibrium for the user while at rest for one of the plurality of vitalsigns; detecting, using a processor of the device in real-time, the userstarting an activity based on the sensor data; in response to detectingthe activity, detecting, using the processor and based on the sensordata, an exit condition for a selected vital sign of the plurality ofvital signs, wherein the exit condition is the selected vital signexiting the range of the equilibrium envelope corresponding to theselected vital sign; determining an amount of time for the exitcondition to occur measured from a start of the activity; anddetermining, using the processor, a health status for the user basedupon the amount of time for the exit condition to occur for the selectedvital sign compared to a historical amount of time for the exitcondition to occur for the selected vital sign from the historicalmetric data of the equilibrium envelope.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the sensor data includes a photoplethysmogram.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the selected vital sign is heart rate.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, comprising: determining an amount of work performed by the userfrom a time that the activity was detected to the exit condition; andwherein the health status of the user is further based on the amount ofwork performed.
 5. The method of claim 1, comprising: detecting are-entry condition based on the sensor data, wherein the re-entrycondition is, subsequent to the exit condition, the user discontinuingthe activity while one or more of the plurality of vital signs isoutside of the range for the vital sign per the equilibrium envelope andeach vital sign of the plurality of vital signs entering the range forthe vital sign.
 6. The method of claim 5, comprising: determining anamount of time for the re-entry condition to occur after the userdiscontinues the activity; and wherein the health status of the user isfurther based on the amount of time for the re-entry condition to occur.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vital signs includesheart rate and blood pressure.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein theplurality of vital signs further includes respiration rate.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the plurality of vital signs further includesheart rate variability, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose.
 10. Adevice, comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; aplurality of sensors configured to collect sensor data for a user; and aprocessor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor, in response toexecuting the instructions, is configured to initiate operations forevaluating health of the user including: tracking a plurality of vitalsigns of the user using the plurality of sensors, wherein the pluralityof vital signs are determined from sensor data generated by theplurality of sensors; storing an equilibrium envelope for the user inthe memory with the plurality of vital signs, wherein the equilibriumenvelope includes a range for each of a plurality of vital signs for theuser and historical metric data, wherein each range indicateshomeostatic equilibrium for the user while at rest for one of theplurality of vital signs; detecting, in real-time, the user starting anactivity based on the sensor data; in response to detecting theactivity, detecting, based on the sensor data, an exit condition for aselected vital sign of the plurality of vital signs, wherein the exitcondition is the selected vital sign exiting the range of theequilibrium envelope corresponding to the selected vital sign;determining an amount of time for the exit condition to occur measuredfrom a start of the activity; and determining a health status for theuser based upon the amount of time for the exit condition to occur forthe selected vital sign compared to a historical amount of time for theexit condition to occur for the selected vital sign from the historicalmetric data of the equilibrium envelope.
 11. The device of claim 10,wherein the sensor data includes a photoplethysmogram.
 12. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the selected vital sign is heart rate.
 13. The deviceof claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to initiate operationscomprising: determining an amount of work performed by the user from atime that the activity was detected to the exit condition; and whereinthe health status of the user is further based on the amount of workperformed.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein the processor isconfigured to initiate operations comprising: detecting a re-entrycondition based on the sensor data, wherein the re-entry condition is,subsequent to the exit condition, the user discontinuing the activitywhile one or more of the plurality of vital signs is outside of therange for the vital sign per the equilibrium envelope and each vitalsign of the plurality of vital signs entering the range for the vitalsign.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured toinitiate operations comprising: determining an amount of time for there-entry condition to occur after the user discontinues the activity;and wherein the health status of the user is further based on the amountof time for the re-entry condition to occur.
 16. The device of claim 10,wherein the plurality of vital signs includes heart rate and bloodpressure.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of vitalsigns further includes respiration rate.
 18. The device of claim 17,wherein the plurality of vital signs further includes heart ratevariability, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose.
 19. A computerprogram product comprising a computer readable storage medium havingprogram code stored thereon for evaluating health of a user, the programcode executable by a processor to perform operations comprising:tracking a plurality of vital signs of the user using a plurality ofsensors of a device, wherein the plurality of vital signs are determinedfrom sensor data generated by the plurality of sensors; storing anequilibrium envelope for the user in a memory of the device with theplurality of vital signs, wherein the equilibrium envelope includes arange for each of a plurality of vital signs for the user and historicalmetric data, wherein each range indicates homeostatic equilibrium forthe user while at rest for one of the plurality of vital signs;detecting, using a processor of the device in real-time, the userstarting an activity based on the sensor data; in response to detectingthe activity, detecting, based on the sensor data, an exit condition fora selected vital sign of the plurality of vital signs, wherein the exitcondition is the selected vital sign exiting the range of theequilibrium envelope corresponding to the selected vital sign;determining an amount of time for the exit condition to occur measuredfrom a start of the activity; and determining a health status for theuser based upon the amount of time for the exit condition to occur forthe selected vital sign compared to a historical amount of time for theexit condition to occur for the selected vital sign from the historicalmetric data of the equilibrium envelope.
 20. The computer programproduct of claim 19, wherein the sensor data includes aphotoplethysmogram.
 21. The computer program product of claim 19,wherein the selected vital sign is heart rate.
 22. The computer programproduct of claim 19, wherein the program code is executable by aprocessor to perform operations comprising: determining an amount ofwork performed by the user from a time that the activity was detected tothe exit condition; and wherein the health status of the user is furtherbased on the amount of work performed.
 23. The computer program productof claim 19, wherein the program code is executable by a processor toperform operations comprising: detecting a re-entry condition based onthe sensor data, wherein the re-entry condition is, subsequent to theexit condition, the user discontinuing the activity while one or more ofthe plurality of vital signs is outside of the range for the vital signper the equilibrium envelope and each vital sign of the plurality ofvital signs entering the range for the vital sign.
 24. The computerprogram product of claim 23, wherein the program code is executable by aprocessor to perform operations comprising: determining an amount oftime for the re-entry condition to occur after the user discontinues theactivity; and wherein the health status of the user is further based onthe amount of time for the re-entry condition to occur.
 25. The computerprogram product of claim 19, wherein the plurality of vital signsincludes heart rate and blood pressure.
 26. The computer program productof claim 25, wherein the plurality of vital signs further includesrespiration rate.
 27. The computer program product of claim 26, whereinthe plurality of vital signs further includes heart rate variability,oxygen saturation, and blood glucose.